President Barack Obama has spoken to German Chancellor Angela Merkel about a potential solution to the crisis in Ukraine.

The proposal would see Russia pull back its forces in the region of Crimea, limit Russian troop numbers and allow international monitors into the area.

Talks are taking place later today in Paris between Russian and US foreign ministers.

Meanwhile, Moscow has confirmed that it succesfully test fired an intercontinental ballistic missile.

The missile was launched from a site some 450 kilometres east of Ukraine - it reportedly hit its target at a test ground in Russian-allied Kazahkstan.

The US has confirmed Moscow notified Washington BEFORE the crisis erupted in Crimea that it planned to carry out the missile test.